Newcastle legend and propagator of riots, the Star Hotel, is up for sale as its caretakers move on.
Occupying a corner of Hunter Street in Newcastle West, fronting King Street, the famous pub was built in 1885, and remodelled in 1925 by Tooth & Co. Today’s iteration offers a restaurant and bar, commercial kitchen, and indoor and outdoor seating.
During the 1970s it emerged as one of the city’s top live music venues, but at the close of the decade the brewery decided to abruptly end it, giving local fans that frequented its regular live performances just one week’s notice.
A final gig was hurriedly organised with local group the Heroes, for the final night, 19 September 1979.
The pub became part of Newcastle’s history that night, when an estimated 4,000 people rioted in the street following its closure, lighting fires and assaulting police officers. The events of the night resulted in a string of arrests, and inspired Cold Chisel’s haunting anthem to civil unrest, Star Hotel.
Late 2017, Chris Mills, having redesigned and modernised the old Hotel, listed the operation amid Newcastle’s booming residential development. It was subsequently purchased by a Sydney investor.
Its location and trading left it particularly vulnerable to the COVID lockdowns, and after an extended time shut the Star Hotel reopened early 2021.
Another two years on, and the operator is said to be “moving on” and the Sydney-based owner has opted to put the property on the market, with price guide of $1.8 million, which includes the liquor licence.
“The Star Hotel is synonymous with Newcastle history,” observes Colliers’ Nick Christensen, who is marketing the asset.
“It has been around since the late 1800s, so we are excited about this one.”
Agents report the current fit-out will remain as is, meaning a new owner could begin operating immediately.
Interest is anticipated from local and Sydney-based hospitality operators, or another investor looking to lease it out.
